Historic building of the administration of Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in the 13th arrondissement of Paris, early 20th century black and white photograph

Hôpital De La Pitié

Hôpital De La Pitié Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Paris Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

The Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière stands as a monumental landmark in Paris, reflecting centuries of medical progress, social transformation, and architectural evolution. Established in the 17th century, its journey from a charitable institution and asylum to one of Europe’s leading teaching hospitals mirrors the broader narrative of healthcare and social reform in France. Renowned for its pivotal role in the development of neurology and psychiatry, and for architectural gems like the Saint-Louis Chapel, the hospital today is a site of profound historical, scientific, and cultural significance.

This guide is designed to help you plan your visit, with detailed information on the hospital’s history, visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, and nearby attractions. Whether you are passionate about history, medicine, or Parisian architecture, the Pitié-Salpêtrière offers an unmatched experience at the crossroads of past and present (Paris Promeneurs; Atlas Obscura; Wikipedia).

Historic buildings on rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire at the Pitié-Salpêtrière hospital in Paris, 1903

Interior courtyard of La Pitié Hospital before demolition of buildings in 1912, pencil and watercolor drawing on cardboard by H. Schneider

Interior courtyard of La Pitié Hospital, Paris, pencil and watercolor drawing by H. Schneider, 1912

Interior courtyard of La Pitié hospital depicted in a 1909 drawing by René Pinard using black chalk, sanguine, and wash techniques

Interior courtyard of La Pitié hospital drawn by René Pinard in 1909 with black chalk, red chalk, and wash techniques

The old Pitié hospital building on rue Lacépède in Paris

Illustration from volume 2 of Dictionnaire populaire illustré by Edmond Alonnier and Joseph Décembre

Drawing of the entrance of the Old Pitié hospital in Paris, 1909

Detail of the grille and courtyard of La Pitié hospital in 1909, black stone drawing with wash and color highlights by René Pinard

Black and white photo of the Pitié Hospital at 1 rue Lacépède, 5th arrondissement, Paris, taken by Eugène Atget

1907 black and white photograph of Hôpital de la Pitié on Rue Daubenton in Paris 5th arrondissement

Historic photograph of Hôpital de la Pitié on Rue Daubenton taken from Rue de la Pitié in Paris' 5th arrondissement in 1907

Auteur(s): Atget, Eugène (Jean Eugène Auguste Atget, dit) (Libourne, 12–02–1857 - Paris, 04–08–1927), photographe Autre titre: Hôpital de la Pitié (1907) / Rue Daubenton et rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire. (Titre inscrit (lettre)) Date de production: En 1907 Type(s) d'objet(s): Photographie, Arts graphiques Dénomination(s): Photographie Matériaux et techniques: Tirage sur papier albuminé Dimensions - Oeuvre:

   Hauteur : 21.7 cm
   Largeur : 18 cm

Description: Tirage collé aux angles sur montage de format 55 x 72 cm, avec PH31492, PH31493, PH31494 et PH31495. Marques, inscriptions, poinçons: Verso non visible Description iconographique: Hôpital de la Pitié, rue Daubenton et rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire, 5ème arrondissement, Paris. Mode d'acquisition: Mode d'acquisition inconnu Institution: Musée Carnavalet, Histoire de Paris Numéro d’inventaire: PH31496 IIIF Manifest: https://apicollections.parismusees.paris.fr/iiif/320177721/manifest "> Early 20th century photograph of Hôpital de la Pitié at the intersection of rue Daubenton and rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire in Paris

Early 20th century photograph of Hôpital de la Pitié at the intersection of rue Daubenton and rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire in Paris

View of the garden and chapel at Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière in Paris

Courtyard view of Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière in Paris

Facade courtyard of Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière in Paris

Corner view of the facades at the intersection of Rue de la Pitié and Rue du Puits-de-l'Ermite in Paris

Entrance gate of Hôpital de la Pitié in Paris

Black and white drawing of Hôpital de la Pitié in 1912 showing the hospital building with surrounding street scene

Historical drawing of La Pitié Hospital and La Riboissière Hospital in Paris by Léon Leymonnerye, 1857

19th century pencil drawing of Paris hospitals including La Pitié and La Riboissière Maison Dubois by Léon Leymonnerye

Interior view of La Pitié hospital detailed drawing by René Pinard using black stone and color highlights

Urban sketch of buildings at the corner of L'Hôpital de la Pitié and rue Geoffroy Saint Hilaire in Paris, 1895

Historical drawing of the old Pitié hospital on rue Lacépède in Paris by Auguste-Sébastien Bénard

Historic old hospital building on rue Lacépède

Historical map of Le Jardin des Plantes in Paris between 1794 and 1802

Rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire watercolor drawing by René Leverd from 1908

Historical photograph showing the first courtyard of La Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in the 13th arrondissement of Paris

View of a courtyard at the Hospital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière in the 13th arrondissement of Paris, taken in 1903

View of the altar inside the chapel of the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in the 13th arrondissement of Paris

Entrance view of the Pitié Hospital and chapel on Lacépède Street in 1912, detailed pencil and watercolor drawing on cardboard by H. Schneider

Black and white photograph of the chapel of the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in the 13th arrondissement of Paris, showing detailed exterior architectural features from 1903

Old photograph showing the large courtyard of the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital center in Paris, early 20th century

Historic black and white photograph of the hospital buildings of La Pitié-Salpêtrière along Rue du Battoir in Paris' 13th arrondissement

Historic sketch of the Pitié Hospital buildings before demolition in 1912 by H. Schneider

1912 drawing of the Pitié hospital buildings before demolition by H. Schneider in pencil and watercolor on cardboard paper

View of the Michon Pavilion of the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris, 13th arrondissement

Introduction
Historical Overview
Architectural and Cultural Heritage
Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Tours
Accessibility and Travel Tips
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Resources
Enhance Your Visit with the Audiala App

Historical Overview

Origins and Development

The origins of the Pitié-Salpêtrière date back to the early 17th century. The original Hôpital de la Pitié was established as a charitable refuge for the destitute, while the Salpêtrière site began as a gunpowder factory before its conversion into a women’s asylum under Louis XIV in 1656. This transformation was part of a state effort to manage poverty and social disorder, and the institution soon became one of Europe’s largest sites for the confinement of marginalized women, including the mentally ill, orphans, and so-called “undesirables” (fr.wikipedia.org; paris-promeneurs.com; atlasobscura.com).

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Salpêtrière’s primary role was as a place of confinement. Thousands of women and children were housed within its walls, often for arbitrary reasons. The institution, designed by architects such as Louis Le Vau and Charles-François Viel, functioned as a micro-city, complete with its own chapels, markets, and infirmaries. Some of its residents were even sent to French colonies as part of colonial population efforts (paris-promeneurs.com).

Enlightenment and Medical Innovation

The arrival of Dr. Philippe Pinel in 1795 marked a turning point. Pinel, celebrated for his humane approach to mental health, is credited with ending the practice of chaining patients and laying the foundation for modern psychiatry. The hospital became a center for medical research, particularly in neurology and psychiatry (en.wikipedia.org; atlasobscura.com).

The 19th century saw further growth, most notably under Jean-Martin Charcot, whose groundbreaking studies in neurology drew students from across Europe, including Sigmund Freud. The Salpêtrière’s amphitheater became a renowned venue for medical lectures and demonstrations (parisbraininstitute.org; paris-promeneurs.com).

Merger and Modernization

In 1911, the Hôpital de la Pitié was relocated adjacent to Salpêtrière, and the two merged in 1964 to form the Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière. Today, affiliated with Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) and Sorbonne University, it stands as a world-class center for research and teaching in numerous medical fields (mspaulclaudel.com; en.wikipedia.org).

21st Century and the Paris Brain Institute

The Paris Brain Institute (ICM), inaugurated in 2010, continues the hospital’s legacy as a leader in neuroscience. Its innovative research, symbolized by a building in the shape of the brain’s hemispheres, keeps the Pitié-Salpêtrière at the forefront of global medical science (parisbraininstitute.org). The hospital remains highly ranked worldwide and is associated with numerous notable figures from the worlds of science, art, and politics.

Architectural and Cultural Heritage

The Pitié-Salpêtrière complex reflects the evolution of institutional architecture from the 17th century through to the present. Notable features include:

Saint-Louis Chapel: Designed by Louis Le Vau, it stands as an architectural and spiritual centerpiece (paris-promeneurs.com).
Charcot’s Amphitheater: Site of historic neurology lectures, occasionally accessible via guided tours.
Historic Pavilions and Courtyards: Stone arcades, tree-shaded courtyards, and preserved facades showcase centuries of architectural adaptation (secretdeparis.com; Paris La Douce).

The hospital is also a hub for cultural events, including the annual European Heritage Days, when otherwise restricted areas are open to visitors. Its archives and settings have inspired artists, writers, and filmmakers, highlighting its place in French cultural history.

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Tours

Visiting Hours

General Hours: The hospital grounds and gardens are typically accessible Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Guided Tours: Most historic buildings, such as the Saint-Louis Chapel and Charcot amphitheater, are accessible only through guided tours, often scheduled during European Heritage Days or by special arrangement (Explore Paris Tours).

Tickets and Booking

Entrance Fees: Access to the grounds is usually free. Guided tours may charge a fee (typically €10–€15), with some free options during heritage events.
Booking: Advance booking is strongly recommended, as places fill quickly, especially for special events or English-language tours. Book via the official tour page or consult the official hospital site.

Accessibility and Travel Tips

Address: 47-83 Boulevard de l’Hôpital, 75013 Paris, France.
Metro Access: Gare d’Austerlitz (Lines 5 and 10), Saint-Marcel (Line 5), and Chevaleret (Line 6).
Bus: Several lines serve the area.
Parking: Public parking garages are available nearby.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrances, ramps, and elevators are provided. Some heritage sites within the complex may have limited access—confirm when booking.
Visitor Tips: Wear comfortable shoes, as tours involve significant walking. Photography may be restricted in medical areas; always check with your guide.

Nearby Attractions

Combine your visit to the hospital with other local highlights:

Jardin des Plantes: Paris’s historic botanical gardens.
Musée de la Santé: Museum dedicated to the history of medicine.
Seine River walks and the Latin Quarter: Vibrant districts nearby for further exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I visit the hospital without a guided tour?
A: Public access to most historic buildings is only possible via guided tour, but hospital grounds and gardens are generally open during normal hours.

Q: Are tours available in English?
A: Some tours are offered in English; check availability on the official booking page.

Q: Is the hospital suitable for children?
A: Yes, though the content is best suited to older children or adults interested in history and science.

Q: Are there entrance fees?
A: Access to the grounds is free; guided tours may require a ticket.

Q: Is the site accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Main public areas are accessible, but inquire about specific tour routes when booking.

Conclusion and Resources

The Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière is more than a hospital—it is a living chronicle of Paris’s evolution in healthcare, architecture, and social values. Its blend of history, scientific achievement, and cultural resonance makes it a must-see for anyone exploring Paris’s rich heritage. For the most up-to-date information on visiting hours, tour bookings, and current exhibitions, always consult the official AP-HP website or the Explore Paris tour page.

Enhance Your Visit with Audiala

For an immersive experience, download the Audiala app. Audiala provides expert audio guides, augmented reality experiences, and real-time updates on visitor information, events, and tours for the Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière and other Parisian landmarks. Stay connected on social media for the latest news and special content.